(Radio Iowa) – Colder temperatures are here and that means some Iowans can qualify for financial assistance for their heating bills. from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP.

State energy assistance bureau Chief, Bill Marquess the program was still using extra funds last year that it got through federal pandemic relief. “During the pandemic, we were able to offer up to $3,000 to assist with a crisis. And now we’re maxed at 500 on that. And, and that’s a significant difference,” he says. There were a record 90,000 applicants last year and the program issued payments to about 83,000. He says so far this year, the program has about half the amount of applications they did at the end of the season last year.

“Our goal is always to get as much out into the community as possible,” Marquess says.” And the last two years showed us that even when, when we’re handed an enormous amount of money, we were able to funnel that into the community.” The LIHEAP helped is based on income, and you can apply through your local community action agency. Applications are open through April.

(By Catherine Wheeler, Iowa Public Radio)

(Radio Iowa) – The forecast indicates wind speeds tonight will range between 35 to 45 and perhaps even 50 miles per hour across Iowa, creating bitter cold and blizzard conditions. Meteorologist Roger Vachalek at the National Weather Service office in central Iowa says over the past 24 hours, snow fell in most of the state. “Because of all the wind and the cold weather, you’re not going to get the most accurate snowfall reports for this type of a system,” he says, “just because of the wind blowing around quite a bit.”

A high pressure system is pushing cold air across Iowa. “The cold air that’s coming in, because it’s high pressure, it’s going to increase what we call the pressure gradient across the central plains and Iowa and that actually drives the wind speed at the surface,” Vachalek says. “Then we also have another component that happens where we get some higher wind aloft that gets brought down to the surface and so that produces wind gusts that are higher.”

By 10 o’clock this morning, the wind chill index had already dropped to minus 46 degrees in Storm Lake and minus 45 in Sioux City, Sheldon and Spencer. “That’s extremely dangerous to be outside for any period of time. Even 10 minutes will cause problems for most people. You can get frostbite,” Vachalek says, “…so we’re advising people to just avoid being outdoors in this type of situation or be very, very, very careful.” Blizzard conditions are being forecast because of the snow that’s already fallen and the strong winds behind it.

“We may get lucky and maybe things aren’t quite as bad all the time in the next 24-36 hours, but there will be periods where you’ve got some very low visibilities and travel will be difficult across the region,” Vachalek says. “we’re again asking people that if you can delay your travel plans until either late Saturday or Christmas Day itself, especially if it’s only a couple hours’ drive here across the state, that would probably be best than trying to venture out either later today or tomorrow for sure.”

The Iowa State Patrol responded to 70 accidents between noon on Wednesday and 6 a.m. this morning. Trooper Paul Gardner says at least 140 motorists have gotten some type of assistance from a trooper so far. “It’s Christmas season and people want to go see friends, they want to go see family and loved ones,” he says. “Hopefully this will be wrapped up by Saturday, which that will probably make for still somewhat of a sort of heavily traveled day…We still want to emphasize that some of these roadways may not be completely cleared off by then, but hopefully we’ll be past the brunt of it.”

Gardner says by mid-morning snow was drifting across Highway 20 and temperatures were causing problems for truckers. “We’ve seen some calls for service of semis that are jelling up, so we’re responding to those to get drivers to somewhere warm, getting them to a truck stop,” he says. “So far traffic is somewhat lights on our main traffic corridors like I-35 and I-80.” At 11:15 a.m., the Iowa DOT said several accidents and stalled vehicles were blocking areas of Interstate 80 and travel was not advised on I-80 from eastern Iowa through the Stuart exit in central Iowa.

According to the DOT, the number of roads marked “travel not advised” has been growing as winds blow snow off highways, uncovering the ice below and creating drifts in other areas.

(Radio Iowa) – The leader of a Christian conservative group has added chapters to a book he wrote in 2007 about his profoundly disabled son, Lucas. “Unfortunately last year Lucas came down with non-COVID pneumonia and we fully expected him to beat the odds again because he’s beat it so many times, but this one he just couldn’t beat,” The Family Leader president and CEO Bob Vander Plaats says, “so when he passed away on November 22 last year, I said to Darla this would be the right time to finish the story, so to speak.”

Lucas — the third son of Vander Plaats and his wife, Darla — was born with a rare brain disorder that required 24 hour care. He died just before Thanksgiving last year at the age of 28. The book “Light from Lucas” has the subtitle of “Lessons in Faith from a Fragile Life.” “Don’t take life for granted. It’s not for us to understand,” Vander Plaats says. “We have an opportunity to make a difference.”

In the book’s recently added chapters, Vander Plaats discusses his son’s final days and his family’s farewell. “Lucas’ life had a dynamic impact,” Vander Plaats says. “It’s like I told one of our pastors, I said: ‘Isn’t it ironic that the young man who could never say a word delivers the most powerful sermon.’” Vander Plaats says the book’s publisher is making plans for him, his wife and sons as well as Lucas’ caregiver to read their story aloud — since audio books are a growing market. Vander Plaats says one of his sons recently spoke about a lesson he learned of having a brother with profound disabilities.

“He said in order to impact Lucas’ life or Lucas to impact your life, you had to be there,” Vander Plaats says. “You couldn’t phone it in, you couldn’t Zoom it in, you couldn’t do anything else. You had to be there.” Vander Plaats was a high school principle and coach when Lucas was born in 1993. Vander Plaats switched careers and took a job as executive of a Sioux City based organization that provides therapy and residential services to individuals with profound physical and intellectual disabilities. Vander Plaats ran for governor in 2002 and 2006. He’s been president and CEO of the The Family Leader since 2010.

(Radio Iowa) – Thousands of Christmas presents are being left by mail carriers and package delivery people outside Iowans’ homes this week and porch pirates may be watching and waiting to steal those boxes. Jason Cloudt, with S-E-I Security Solutions, says if you’re not home to monitor what’s delivered to your doorstep, you should take steps to protect your purchases. “The most popular things out there today are video doorbells,” Cloudt says. “They’re simple little devices that can replace the button you have by your front door now. They have a camera built in.”

Those video doorbells come in a wide range of prices with a host of associated monitoring services and security systems. The doorbells can also be purchased as stand-alone devices. “The do-it-yourself items can start under $100. The professionally-installed video doorbells that we install are between $250 and $350,” Cloudt says. Many of the video doorbell systems can be linked to your smartphone.

“Some of the less expensive options may not be tied to your smart device, but the most common devices have the ability for you to just launch an app on your phone and watch live or get an alert when there is live video – someone either pushing the button or someone who is within view of that camera on your front door,” Cloudt says. If you’d rather not spend money on a camera system, police suggest having packages delivered to your workplace.

S-E-I has offices in Des Moines, Iowa City and Omaha/Council Bluffs.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue reports that on Saturday December 17th, Reserve Officers from the Atlantic Police Department held their annual “Family Dream Christmas” program. The Chief says “This year the APD Reserves were assisted by the SWI Chaplains Association, and a Harlan Police Reserve. The Atlantic Girls Basketball Team were back once again this year and did a great job setting up, taking down, and organizing the toy room.”

There were a total of 13 families helped in the program this year. Eight families were taken shopping to local businesses in Atlantic. This included shopping for all members of their families. They also received a full Christmas Dinner. The families also received a gift card to a local grocery store to help with food and meat cost during the holiday season. According to Chief Hogue, the Department “Provided five additional families with a trip through the Reserve Departments toy room, which includes new toys that are donated throughout the year. The children in these families were brought through the toy room and picked out a few items each that they would like to have. These families were also provided with the same Christmas dinner and gift card.”

And then, on Sunday, December 18th, the Atlantic Police Department sponsored the “Shop with a Cop” program. The program was run exclusively at Walmart in Atlantic. Chief Hogue says
“This year we were assisted by The Atlantic Police Reserves, The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, The Iowa State Patrol, The SWI Chaplain’s Association, Iowa DNR, Iowa DOT, Retires from the Iowa State Patrol and Cass County Sheriff’s Office, as well as officers wives and children. In total twenty-six officers/helpers were present and took **THIRTY-SEVEN** children shopping. All of the children were paired up with officers, and sent out into the store to find items they were in need of, as well a couple items on their want list. We would also like to thank Subway for having “sack lunches” made and ready for them to take home.”

Just some of the many photos from the “Shop With a Cop” program (Pics from the Atlantic Police Dept. Facebook page)

All together, during the “Family Dream Christmas” and “Shop with a Cop” programs the Atlantic Police and Reserve Departments were able to help a total of 73 children and 20 adults within 27 families to have a much more joyful Christmas experience!! We would not be able to run these programs without the wonderful donations we receive each year. Atlantic Police Chief Hogue extends a “Thank you to all of the MANY generous PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS that contributed to our cause and to the following companies and groups.”

That includes the “Let’s Make them Smile” Pool Tournament, Richter & Son Towing, OSI “Oakland Foods” Women in leadership group, JBG Farms, The Atlantic High School Student Council, Atlantic Carriers, Cappel’s Ace Hardware, Meyer & Gross Real Estate, Pymosa Lodge #271, First Interstate Bank, Community 1^st Credit Union, Own Today Better Tomorrow, The LuAnn Gipple Memorial American Legion Post 43, Atlantic Hy-Vee, Greg Young Chevrolet, Atlantic Wal-Mart, The Atlantic News & Telegraph, KSOM, KJAN, Atlantic Subway, Brown’s Shoe Fit, as well as MANY MANY more!

(Radio Iowa) – The four Iowans who’ll be serving in the U.S. House next year all back California Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House Speaker. A few conservative House Republicans say they won’t vote for McCarthy and their opposition currently blocks his ability to win the speakership next month. Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion says McCarthy put in the work to secure a G-O-P majority in the House and he’ll ensure House Republicans deliver on their campaign promises.

“I think he’s going to be a really good speaker,” Hinson says. “He has done an incredible job of helping our conference unite, not only to be the check on the Biden Administration and fire Nancy Pelosi, but unite behind an agenda that we want to deliver and execute on, starting on January 3rd, so I’m hopeful we’re able to get moving on that as quickly as possible, get through some of the drama of the leadership elections and get down to business.” Hinson, who’ll be representing Iowa’s new second congressional district next year, made her comments on “Iowa Press” on Iowa P-B-S. Iowa Congressman-elect Zach Nunn of Bondurant, just elected to represent Iowa’s new third district, says McCarthy is a pragmatic leader who has his vote.

“I strongly support a Speaker McCarthy,” Nunn says. “I want someone who’s going to hold D.C. accountable.” McCarthy has been making promises to pick up conservatives’ votes, like promising to put a Republican congresswoman back on House committees and removing some high-profile Democrats from others next year. Nunn applauds those moves. “I salute him on those fronts and being speaker, you know, whether you’re Speaker Pelosi (who is stepping down as House Democrats’ leader) or a potential Speaker-elect here in McCarthy, it’s a hard job,” Nunn says. “What has resonated with me is the ‘one team, one fight’ mentality of the leadership. I think that’s how we’re going to do the best work for the American people.”

Nunn made his comments during an interview with Radio Iowa. First district Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Le Claire and fourth district Congressman Randy Feenstra of Hull are also backing McCarthy for speaker. A few weeks ago, about three dozen House Republicans did not support nominating McCarthy as House Speaker next year — but none were from Iowa.

The Board of Supervisors of Shelby County, Iowa, met Tuesday morning (Dec. 20, 2022), in Harlan. According to the minutes provided by Auditor Mark Maxwell, the Board opened bidding for an auction for the cash rent of the Shelby County Solid Waste Farm ground. Board Chair Steve Kenkel opened the bidding at $250/acre. The bidders present began bidding, with the final bid at $ 260.00 /acre which was submitted by Brandon Weis. The bid was for the 108 acres of farm ground at the solid waste site, for the 2023 crop season. The successful bidder will sign the agreement to include payment of one fourth of the lime plus fall fertilizer costs. The agreement will be placed in front of the Solid Waste Board for their approval.

Bidding in an auction was also held for the cash rent of the County Farm ground. Again, Kenkel opened the bidding at $250/ acre. Maxwell said there were at least two bidders present with the final bid at $360.00/acre which was submitted by Brandon Weis, for the 146 acres of farm ground at the County Farm site and The Board asked the Auditor to collect funds amounting to 5% of the total rent plus include payment of one fourth of the lime plus fall fertilizer costs.

In other business:

• Brent Scheve from The Agency was present to update the Supervisors with Insurance policies for 2023. The increase in premiums for this Decembers payment was noted to be an unbudgeted increase. The industry as a whole is seeing rising rates.
• Rod Baxter representing the Compensation Board presented the recommendations of the Compensation Board regarding salaries for elected officials. This year the Compensation Board recommends a 7.5% increase for elected officials excepting the Sheriff who’s salary is guided by Iowa code. The Shelby County Sheriffs salary was recommended to be increased by 16%. No further action was taken.
• Shelby County Auditor, Mark Maxwell, notified the Supervisors that a recent ICAP inspection and insurance review were completed at the Courthouse. Recommendations that were suggested were a distracted driving policy, proof of insurance for all private vehicles used on County time as well as fire extinguisher and emergency exit lighting inspections.

The Supervisors then considered permitting official Shelby County signatures on a multi county agreement/waiver and consent to enter into an agreement with other counties for joint representation and Common interests. A motion to that effect passed unanimously. The Supervisors were presented with the yearly ISAC Wellness agreement allowing Shelby County health insurance covered employees to participate and earn cash awards for participation in the program. That motion also passed unanimously.

The Board of Supervisors in Shelby County set January 10th at 9:00 AM, as the date and time for a public hearing regarding the consideration and possible passage of a resolution officially establishing an EMS (emergency medical services) Advisory Council in Shelby County and charging this Council with duties and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.  A hearing date was considered, for the first reading of Ordinance 2023-1, an ordinance for engaging in the sale of stream mitigation credits in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 23A.  The Board ultimately voted on holding the hearing during their Jan. 10, 2023 meeting, beginning at 9-a.m.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – At its second annual grant celebration event, the Cass County Community Foundation honored 35 nonprofit organizations and community projects that received grants throughout the past year. These honorees included grant recipients from both Spring and Fall 2022 grant cycles who were awarded a collective sum of $170,155. Throughout 2022, the Foundation received a total of 50 grant applications from community organizations, with more than $325,000 requested. As a part of its two grant cycles, the Cass County Community Foundation awarded $170,155 to 44 of these 50 applications. (Click on the images to enlarge)

Spring 2022 Grant Recipients:

Fall 2022 Grant Recipients:

Board Chair Kristi Burg said “In 2022, we’ve been able to fund a wide array of projects and programs. Grants were awarded to support construction and renovation, recreational opportunities, and many more projects that will have a positive effect on our community members—both young and old. We’re proud of the impact of the Foundation, and we’re glad to have this opportunity to celebrate the important work of these organizations throughout Cass County.”

Each year, the Cass County Community Foundation holds two grant cycles with the objective of funding projects that will have a lasting impact in the county. Iowa Foundations Director Sunni Kamp said “Since the Foundation was established in 1998, it has infused more than $2.6 million in grants and scholarships to support organizations and individuals across the county. This speaks to the generous, philanthropic spirit of our communities. With the support of our donors, charitable funds allocated through the community foundation, and our participation in the County Endowment Fund Program, we can continue to invest valuable resources back into projects and initiatives throughout Cass County.”

The Cass County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. Each year it receives funds from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and grantmaking throughout the county. The spring cycle of grants is made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Foundation’s fall grant cycle is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Cass County Community Foundation. The Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Cass County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Cass County Community Foundation are Chair, Kristi Burg of Massena; Vice Chair, Gaylord Schelling of Atlantic; Secretary/Treasurer, Sue Hunt of Atlantic; Sandy Bierbaum of Griswold; Justin D. Hockenberry of Anita; and Mike Tibken of Anita.

(Audubon, Iowa) – At its second annual grant celebration event, the Audubon County Community Foundation honored 11 nonprofit organizations and community projects that received grants throughout the past year. These honorees included grant recipients from both Spring and Fall 2022 grant cycles who were awarded a collective sum of $186,985. Throughout 2022, the Foundation received a total of 19 grant applications from community organizations, with more than $400,000 requested. As a part of its two grant cycles, the Audubon County Community Foundation awarded $186,985 to 14 of these 19 applications. (Click on images to enlarge)

Foundation Board Chair Steven B. Hansen said “In 2022, we’ve been able to fund a wide array of projects and programs. Grants were awarded to support construction and renovation, recreational opportunities, and many more projects that will have a positive effect on our community members—both young and old. We’re proud of the impact of the Foundation, and we’re glad to have this opportunity to celebrate the important work of these organizations throughout Audubon County.” Each year, the Audubon County Community Foundation holds two grant cycles with the objective of funding projects that will have a lasting impact in the county.

Pictured are Foundation board members and representatives of Audubon County organizations who received grants from the Audubon County Community Foundation. (1st Row Left to Right); Amy Madsen – Friendship Home; Jessica Andersen – Friendship Home; Megan Wagner – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member, Secretary/Treasurer; Jolene Burns – Audubon County Hospital Foundation Board; Gina Benton – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member; (2nd Row); Steven B. Hansen – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member, Chair; Donna Olson – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member; Daniel Bierbrodt – Audubon County Hospital Foundation, Audubon Recreation Foundation; Pat Kaiser – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member, Vice Chair; Sara Slater – Albert the Bull Committee; Janet Collins – Audubon County Historical Society; Cindy Carter – Audubon County Historical Society; (3rd Row); Doug Olsen – Audubon Recreation Foundation; Dennis Carter – Audubon County Historical Society; Greg Jensen – Audubon County Agricultural Society; Bob Blomme, DVM – Audubon County Community Foundation Board Member; Trey Kellner – Audubon Recreation Foundation

Iowa Foundations Director Sunni Kamp said “Since the Foundation was established in 1997, it has infused more than $2.8 million in grants and scholarships to support organizations and individuals across the county. This speaks to the generous, philanthropic spirit of our communities. With the support of our donors, charitable funds allocated through the community foundation, and our participation in the County Endowment Fund Program, we can continue to invest valuable resources back into projects and initiatives throughout Audubon County.”

The Audubon County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, which meets National Standards for Community Foundations, and is one of nine county members of the Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa. Each year it receives funds from the State of Iowa County Endowment Fund Program for endowment building and grantmaking throughout the county. The spring cycle of grants is made possible through the County Endowment Fund Program and is funded by a percentage of the state’s commercial gaming tax revenue, which is distributed annually to participating community foundations associated with counties without a state-issued gaming license.

The Foundation’s fall grant cycle is made possible through the generosity of donors to the Audubon County Community Foundation. The Foundation works with individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to create permanent and expendable funds that address changing, vital community needs and interests. Gifts to permanently endowed funds through the Audubon County Community Foundation may be eligible to receive a 25% Endow Iowa Tax Credit.

Advisory board members of the Audubon County Community Foundation are Chair, Steven B. Hansen of Audubon; Vice Chair, Pat Kaiser of Audubon; Secretary/Treasurer, Megan Wagner of Audubon; Gina Benton of Exira; Dr. Bob Blomme, DVM of Audubon; Travis Nelson of Exira; and Donna Olson of Kimballton.

(Radio Iowa) – The holidays are a time for families to come together, but friction can sometimes develop that will ruin the festive atmosphere if the wrong conversational subjects are broached. University of Iowa professor and psychologist Michele Williams says the old adage about not discussing politics and religion holds true, but there are other topics to avoid, too. She suggests using a technique called LARA, which stands for Listen, Affirm, Respond and Ask questions. “When someone says something that triggers you emotionally, you tend to jump in and you fight back, you might be defensive,” Williams says. “If you slow down, with methods from dialogue like LARA, it helps you.”

You may want to skip chatting with your aunt or uncle about things like inflation, gasoline prices or even vaccines, as they can be hot-button issues. Williams says we tend to talk too much and listen too little, so she suggests striving to have a dialogue, not a debate. “Often, you’ve probably seen this, too, you see an argument and both people seem to be saying the same thing because they’re not actually listening to the other side,” Williams says. “They’re responding so quickly that they never know that there are points where they agree and information that could improve both of their thinking.”

Subjects that are not usually prone to prompt conflict include food, sports, art, or even just the kids. Williams says to try and keep positive feelings front and center during holiday gatherings.  “You could do that by having pictures, mementos, wear a piece of jewelry that the other person had given you as a child, things around you that are kind of touchstones,” she says, “to remember that this conversation is with someone you love and the reason you’re coming together as a family is to really celebrate those relationships.”

Williams is a UI professor of management and entrepreneurship in the Tippie College of Business and she’s a psychologist who specializes in management communications and relationships.